Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
210. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any further initiatives proposed by his Department to increase the support for offshore wind infrastructure in coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54396/26]
View answerGovernment is committed to increasing the support for offshore wind infrastructure in coastal communities. This is done in ongoing consultation with all stakeholders in the development of offshore wind. This includes our local coastal communities themselves as well as our valued fishing sector, which my Department recognises as critically important to the enduring success of the offshore wind industry.
In September 2025, Minister of State Dooley and I announced the publication of the proposal, and accompanying Public Participation Statement, for the National DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy. The proposal outlines the Government’s commitment to extensive and inclusive consultation with the public and stakeholders throughout the entire process. In recognition of the importance of coastal communities in the National DMAP process, a dedicated Community Liaison Service has been contracted with the sole focus of working with and providing information directly to coastal communities.
Furthermore, all offshore wind generators developing projects under the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) are required to make contributions to their respective project's Community Benefit Fund. The Community Benefit Fund will be professionally managed on behalf of the local community and a local Community Benefit Fund Committee will have full responsibility for its funding decisions.
Given the anticipated high levels of offshore generation, the amounts involved will be substantial and transformative for communities.
Separately, in December 2025, I announced that a consortium of ESB and Orsted had won Ireland's second offshore wind auction. They will be developing a 900-megawatt project off the coast of Waterford. The Tonn Nua fund established will see communities benefit from €140 million over a 20-year period. The €7 million a year fund will support the sustainable environmental, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the local community, with grants to local clubs and other community groups and projects.
My Department is committed to ongoing engagement with our coastal communities and the fishing sector, under Ireland's plan-led approach to ORE development. The Seafood / ORE Working Group provides a forum to facilitate constructive engagement on the interaction of the seafood and ORE industries.
